The historical preconditions for development of chemmotology as a science of efficient use of fuels, lubricants, and technical fluids are discussed. The methodological principles and key concepts of chemmotology are enunciated. The course of development of these principles and concepts over the past 50 years is shown based on analysis of the interrelations of the components of the technology-fuels-lubricants-utilization system. Views on future prospects of chemmotology are elucidated.