The siphons used in conflagrations are made as follows. Take two vessels of bronze, A B C D, E F G H, (fig. 27), having the inner surface bored in a lathe to fit a piston, (like the barrels of water-organs), K L, M N being the pistons fitted to the boxes. Let the cylinders communicate with each other by means of the tube X O D F, and be provided with valves, P, R, such as have been explained above, within the tube X O D F and opening outwards from the cylinders. In the bases of the cylinders pierce circular apertures, S, T, covered with polished hemispherical cups, V Q, W Y, through which insert spindles soldered to, or in some way connected with, the bases of the cylinders, and provided with shoulders at the extremities that the cups may not be forced off the spindles. To the centre of the pistons fasten the vertical rods S E, S E, and attach to these the beam A´ A´, working, at its centre, about the stationary pin D, and about the pins B, C, at the rods S E, S E. Let the vertical tube S´ E´ communicate with the tube X O D F, branching into two arms at S´, and provided with small pipes through which to force up water, such as were explained above in the description of the machine for producing a water-jet by means of the compressed air. Now, if the cylinders, provided with these additions, be plunged into a vessel containing water, I J U Z, and the beam A´ A´ be made to work at its extremities A´, A´, which move alternately about the pin D, the pistons, as they descend, will drive out the water through the tube E´ S´ and the revolving mouth M´. For when the piston M N ascends it opens the aperture T, as the cup W Y rises, and shuts the valve R; but when it descends it shuts T and opens R, through which the water is driven and forced upwards. The action of the other piston, K L, is the same. Now the small pipe M´, which waves backward and forward, ejects the water to the required height but not in the required direction, unless the whole machine be turned round; which on urgent occasions is a tedious and difficult process. In order, therefore, that the water may be ejected to the spot required, let the tube E´ S´ consist of two tubes, fitting closely together lengthwise, of which one must be attached to the tube X O D F, and the other to the part from which the arms branch off at S´; and thus, if the upper tube be turned round, by the inclination of the mouthpiece M´ the stream of water can be forced to any spot we please. The upper joint of the double tube must be secured to the lower, to prevent its being forced from the machine by the violence of the water. This may be effected by holdfasts in the shape of the letter L, soldered to the upper tube, and sliding on a ring which encircles the lower. 28. _An Automaton which drinks at certain times only, on a Liquid being presented to it._ [Illustration: Diagram of apparatus as described in text]