1. **State the problem:** A scientist has 8 bottles, each containing 12 ounces of liquid. We need to find the total amount of liquid. 2. **Formula used:** Total liquid = Number of bottles $ \times $ Amount per bottle 3. **Apply the formula:** $$\text{Total liquid} = 8 \times 12$$ 4. **Calculate:** $$8 \times 12 = 96$$ 5. **Answer:** The scientist has $96$ ounces of liquid in total. Therefore, the correct choice is C 96 ounces.