'CHILLAN,W., 246 m. by rail S.S.W. of Santiago and about 56 m. direct (108 by rail) N.E. of Concepcion. Pop. (1895) 28,738; (1902, official estimate) 36,382. Chillán is one of the most active commercial cities of central Chile, and is surrounded by a rich agricultural and grazing country. Chillan was founded by Ruiz de Gamboa in 1594. Its present site was chosen in 1836. The original site, known as Chillan Viejo, forms a suburb of the new city. The hot sulphur springs of Chillan, which were discovered in 1 795, are about 45 m. E.S.E. They issue from the flanks of the "Volcan Viejo," about 7000 ft. above sea-level. The highest temperature of the water issuing from these springs is a little over 135 0. The principal volcanoes of the Chillan group are the Nevado (9528 ft.) and the Viejo. After a repose of about two centuries the Nevado de Chinn broke out in eruption early in 1861 and caused great destruction. The eruption ceased in 1863, but broke out again in 1864.