CHAMANIM, in the Jewish antiquities, is the Hebrew name for that which the Greeks call Pyreia or Pyrateia; and St Jerome in Leviticus has translated simulacra, in Isaiah, delabra. These chamanim were, according to Rabbi Solomon, idols exposed to the sun upon the tops of houses. Abencoz says they were portable chapels or temples made in the form of chariots, in honour of the sun. What the Greeks call Pyreia were temples consecrated to the sun and fire, wherein a perpetual fire was kept up. They were built upon eminences; and were large enclosures without
(A) Sir Thomas during his residence in Italy, being particularly fond of natural history, spent some time at Pazzoli, where he was very attentive to the art of producing alum. This attention proved infinitely serviceable to his country, though of no great benefit to himself or his family, his attempt being attended with much difficulty and expence. It was begun about the year 1600, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth; but was not brought to any degree of perfection till some time in the reign of Charles I. by the assistance of one Russell a Walloon, and two other workmen brought from the alum works at Rochelle. By one of the arbitrary acts of Charles, it was then deemed a mine royal, and granted to Sir Paul Pindar. The long parliament adjudged it a monopoly, and justly restored it to the original proprietors.
Chamarin out covering, where the sun was worshipped. The Chamber. Guebres, or worshippers of fire, in Persia and the East Indies, have still these Pyreia. The word chamanis is derived from Chaman, which signified to warm or burn.