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Thanks for that esoteric addition to the debate, Waseeley. Very impressive. I am puzzled though. Presumably the kiln ceiling is arched. But a chain hung between two points would produce an inverted arch, wouldn't it? So presumably the curve produced by the chain would have to be traced in some way, and the tracing then used upside down to provide the arch shape? Have I got that right?

Anyway, this is yet another practical use of a catenary.

Would drooping wiring between lamps going along the shaft be catenaries in the coal mine?

I am sure they would. And a tightrope too, presumably.

David, were it "tight" it would be "taut", no?
No sag, I say.

Good point Debby. If it's tight tight (or tight taut) I think you are right. But the one the bloke walked across at Niagara Falls had a fair sag as I recall. The second half was uphill. But maybe it wasn't strictly a tightrope.

Can a tightrope be taut? Can it be taught to be taut or taught to relax? Could it be a tautology?. Are we in Wonderland with Alice? This topic has been rewarding.