The concept of similarity has been discussed by many scientists and philosophers since ancient times. Thales of Miletus, Euclid, Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Edgar Buckingham and the modern philosopher of science Susan G. Sterrett are examples of intellectuals who perceived and examined the concept of similarity while many scientists incorporated the similarity concept in their scientific methodology. The wide range and the variety of definitions of similarity could lead to confusion about the meaning of the concept, the role of mechanism of similarity in scientific methodology and the identification of scientific fields that similarity could be applied. With main aim the enhancement of understanding of the notion of similarity, this paper examines the historical evolution of the concept of similarity and the utilization of the mechanism of similarity in various eras of human intellectual activity from antiquity to the present day. In this context the research hypothesis we investigate is the existence of specific distinct stages of evolution within the long history of the concept of similarity in parallel with the evolution of scientific thought. A core question that motivates our work is when and under which conditions the transition from the "technocratic" utilization of similarity (i.e. the use of similarity at solving practical problems), to its theoretical documentation and its conscious and systematic use as a significant experimental tool occurred. Another important question is whether there was a certain era that favored the development of the concept of similarity more than other historical periods. In order to address such a hypothesis and respond to these questions, we sought to trace the evolution of conceptualizing and using similarity in different spatial and temporal contexts, formed by the corresponding historical, institutional, religious and social conditions as well as the characteristics of the scientific methodology established during the evolution period.