GLOSSARY.

i23r
Fig. 1379.
a chain of similar and equal links of homogeneous matters, as flexible as possible, from
any two points not in a perpendicular line, nor so distant from each other as the length
of the chain. Prick the plane through the links
as nearly as possible in the middle of the chain,
and througii the points draw the catenary
{fig.
1379.) Let the chord FED or Ybd be
giyen, and the abscissa B.A. ovhX intersecting it
{fig.l'ilQ) in B or 6 at a given angle. Draw the
vertical line EA and FED or I'M at the given
angle on the plane. Fix one end of the chain
at F, and from the point D or d, with another
part of the chain, raise or lower the chain until
the lower part coincides with A, and through
points, made as before, draw the curve.
To draw a tangent to the catenary : let DBF
be a horizontal line, and at right angles to BA
from A draw AE equal to the curve DA, obtained as before, and draw BR, whicli bisect
in o. At right angles to BR draw cC intersecting BA continued in C. Draw CR, and
make the angle BDT equal to the angle ACR. DT is the tangent required, and BO
equals CR; CA is the tension at the point A, or the horizontal draft, which, in a eate-
,
nary, is in every point the sam.e, and is therefore a constant quantity
;
as DE : BT :
:
CA
:
AR
:
or as DB : BT : : the constant quantity CA: AR, equal to the length of the
chain AD.
If CH be drawn through C at right angles to EC it is called the directrix, and DII
drawn parallel to BO, intersecting the directrix at H, is the tension at the point D,
being always equal to the sum of the abscissa and constant quantity. With the centre
C and radius = the tension DH at D = OB, cut the tangent at the vertex A in R, then
AR is the length of the chain AD.
AC is the semi-axis of an equilateral hyperbola, and also the radius of curvature of a
circle equicurved with it and the catenary.
In the triangle OAR, when CA is the radius, then the tension equals CR, the secant
of the angle ACR
(
= EDO). The chain AD equals AR, the tangent of the same angle
and the absciss AB equals CR CA
=
SR. Hence, ACR being a right-angled triangle,
it is manifest that when two of the five quantities, viz. the angle, the absciss, the length
of
the chain between the vertex and points
of
suf<p(nsio7i, the constant quantity or tension
at the vertex, and the tensioyi at the points
of
sitspensio?i, tire known, the other three
may be obtained geometrically, or from a table of tangents and secants.
Cathedral. (Gr. KaOeSpa, a seat or throne.) The
principal church of a province or diocese, wherein
the throne of archbishop or bishop is placed. It
was originally applied to the seats in which the
bishop and presb^'ters sat in their assemblies.
In after times, the bishop's throne was, however,
placed in the centre of the apsis, on each side
whereof were inferior seats for the presbyters.
In the present day the bishop's throne is placed
on one side of the choir, usually on that towards
tiie south.
Cathkrine Wheel Window also called Marigolb
Window. In mediaeval buildings a window or
compartment of a window of a circular form
with radiating divisions or spokes. Examples
are seen at Patrixbourne, York, St. Davids, of a
small size; while at Westminster
(fg.
1380)
south transepts of St. Ouen at Rouen, and of
Amiens cathedral, and at the cathedral of Strasbourg, they are of larger size. See Rosk
Window.
Cathetus. (Gr. KaOfTos, let down.) A perpendicular line passing through the centre of
a cylindrical body as a baluster or a column. It is also a line falling perpendicularly,
and passing through the centre or eye of the volute of the Ionic c^ipibd.
Cattle Shed, or Cattle House. In agricultural Ijuildings, an erection for containing
cattle while feeding, or otherwise. The cattle shed js, of course, most economically con-
structed when built against walls or other buildings. If cattle sheds are built in iso-
lated
situations, the expense of a double shed will be much less than that of a single
one, to contain the same number of cattle. Buildings of this description should be well
ventilated, and be so constructed as to require the least possible labour in supplying the
food, and clearing away the dung. The stalls should be placed so as to keep the cattle
Fig. 1380. Westminster Abbey.