You can find the first mention of parachuting scientists in the notes of Leonardo Da Vinci. It was first described by Leonardo in order from a great height by a dense starched cloth in the form of a triangular tent.

Since then, the ancient manuscripts and chronicles appeared periodically writing about how people make jumps from a height with the help of available funds. According to the description these devices were looked like parachutes. At least the in principle was similar to the principle of parachutes operation.
A big leap in the development of parachute put the development of aeronautics. In the 18th century balloons became increasingly promoted in the secular life of Europe. With the development of creating balloons expand and become a safety means in the air.The parachute became such an agent. The first official jump with a parachute was made in October 22, 1797 in Paris. Frenchman Andre-Jacques

Gerner made the jump over the Parc Monceau from a height 2230 feet.
Since then, parachuting became a real sport, which hosts international competitions.