Chemistry is the study of matter and its interactions with other matter and energy. Chemistry is related to several areas of science , such as biology , geology , and medicine.There are many practical uses of chemistry in the world around us. Chemists have developed synthetic fibers used in the textile industry . Cooking is another practical use of chemistry When you make a cake , several different substances are mixed and baked , which results in a new substance. Chemistry dates back to prehistoric times . Scientists believe the first chemical reaction discovered by man was the burning of wood . Chemistry was first practiced by women . To prepare food , they mixed and boiled ingredients . They learned how to separate solids and liquids . Fermentation was used to make different types of food and a variety of drinks. Salt was probably one of the first chemicals used. Salt was used for a variety of purposes like preserving foods, mummification, and making pottery. Salt was also used as a medicine in ointments, powders, and syrups. Other early chemicals were plant and animal dyes. Ancient cultures studied the nature of substances and produced useful compounds. Most of their discoveries were found by accident. Others were found by trial and error. The earliest evidence of chemistry was found on stone tablets dating back to 3,000 B.C. It records women making perfume. Chemistry as a modern science began in the 17th century. It was based on the scientific method. In the 1800s, chemistry was divided into three main branches: inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Inorganic chemistry was the study of compounds without carbon. Organic chemistry was the study of substances containing carbon. Physical chemistry dealt with the study of heat, electricity, and other forms of energy in chemical processes. Later, two more branches of chemistry were added: analytical chemistry and biochemistry. Chemistry is important to our day-to-day lives. It affects everything in our world from the home to the environment. We use it to create hair and skin care products. It makes leaves change color in the fall. An interesting use of chemistry is the making of artificial snow used by ski lodges and the motion picture industry. Scientists believe chemistry is the best solution to many of the problems we face in today ’ s world.