Which professor consulted on many of the first California oil promotions?

• A. Dr. Benjamin Silliman Jr.
• B. Dr. James H. Doolittle
• C. Dr. Robert B. Davis
• D. Dr. Henry Ford

Answer: (A)

Credible scientific analysis helped drive belief in California oil prospects. Benjamin Silliman Jr., a renowned chemist at Yale, was widely tapped as a consultant for early California oil promotions, providing expert petroleum analyses that assessed oil quality and potential profitability. His independent evaluations gave investors and promoters a trusted scientific voice to back bold claims about the oil fields. The other names come from different fields and contexts, so they did not serve in this prominent consulting role for the oil promotions.