The Arabian chemist, Al-Kindi (Alkindus), wrote in the 9th century a book on perfumes which he named ‘Book of the Chemistry of Perfume and Distillations’. It contained more than hundred recipes for fragrant oils, salves, ambrosial waters and substitutes or imitations of costly drugs. The book also described one hundred and seven methods and recipes for perfume-making, and even the perfume commanding equipment, like the alembic, still bears its Arabic name.

The job of composing perfumes that will sell is left up to an experienced on perfume composition or admitted in the fragrance industry as the perfumer. They are also sometimes referred to affectionately as a "Nez" (French Discount Perfume for nose) due to their fine sensation of smell and skill in emanation composition.