User:Afelton/Benjamin Silliman Jr.

--Temp -- did his Silliman Sr. or Jr. develop the fractionation methods?

Benjamin Silliman, Jr. (XXXX-XXXX) was a professor of chemistry at Yale University and provided much of the science that convinced investors to back George Bissell's search for oil in the 1850's. He was the son of Benjamin Silliman, also a famous Yale chemist.

He developed fractionation methods essential for deriving distillates from oil. This enabled economical production of kerosene and other byproducts. Silliman earned $526.08 for his efforts and became a stock holder in, and later president of, the Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company.