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