Boib

A hydraulic ram can raise water to a level above the originating intake, and 
could probably be misrepresented as a 'siphon'.  They were definitely 
manufactured  during the 19th century and consist of a pipe from a water 
source such as a dam, a hydraulic ram chamber with a couple of valves which 
looks like an oxygen cylinder, an outlet eg into a river, and a destination 
pipe which can discharge above the intake level.  Sounds like your baby.

Probably lots of pics on the Net.

Denis
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Hoover" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2006 12:46 PM
Subject: Siphons in Spanish Missions


Has anyone heard or have proof of the use of siphons in mission water
systems?   Invented by the Greeks, diffused throughout the Mediterranean 
world by the
Romans, I am sure the Spanish brought them to the frontier.   We may even
have found evidence of one at La Purisima at our so-called “Mystery Column”.
However, I have reference from the late 19th century of a siphon in use at 
San
Miguel, where it was supposed to raise water from the Salinas River to the
level of the mission.   This makes me suspicious, because siphons are only
supposed to be able to raise water if the ultimate end of the siphon is at a 
lower
level than the beginning of the line.   Anyone encounter these at other 
sites?

Boib Hoover