I acknowledge that the spectrum above is indeed a silica spectrum. It's an image taken specifically to show what the silica spectrum looks like.
Are you claiming that Meselson told the truth and AFIP DID publish a spectrum of only silicon?
There's no reason to believe Meselson had anything to do with the statement about silicon in the article. And it's ridiculous to argue that when someone says the peak is for silicon, that they're wrong. The main peak IS for silicon. Yes, there are very much lesser peaks for oxygen and carbon. But it's still a stupid argument over wording.
And it's ridiculous beyond belief to assume that some evil mastermind was behind the wording used in the article!