Chronos Query Interface
How to Query
Chronos accepts queries in three forms:
1. Concept Query
Search for a named concept, doctrine, innovation, or initiative across the historical substrate.
GET /chronos/query?concept=cooperative+marks&era=BP040-BP057&confidence=high
Returns: All canonical artifacts matching the concept, time-anchored, with Eyewitness agreement score.
2. Timeline Query
Build a chronological view of how a concept or initiative evolved.
GET /chronos/timeline?initiative=VSL&from=2025-01-01&to=2026-05-25
Returns: Ordered sequence of artifacts related to the initiative, with timestamps and provenance.
3. Canonical Ref Query
Retrieve a specific artifact by its canonical reference.
GET /chronos/query?canonical_ref=canon_pearls_eblet_condensate_data_class_bp055
Returns: Full artifact record with temporal provenance, Eyewitness score, and Pearl-CDN link.
Query Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
concept | string | Search term (URL-encoded) |
canonical_ref | string | Exact canonical reference |
era | string | BP session range (e.g., BP040-BP057) |
from | date | Start date (ISO 8601) |
to | date | End date (ISO 8601) |
initiative | string | Sweet Sixteen initiative name |
confidence | enum | high | moderate | low | all |
limit | integer | Max results (default 20, max 100) |
offset | integer | Pagination offset |
Result Format
Every Chronos result includes:
{
"canonical_ref": "string",
"title": "string",
"created_ts": "ISO 8601",
"bp_session": "string",
"temporal_class": "anchored | estimated | unverified",
"eyewitness_score": 0.0-1.0,
"confidence_class": "high | moderate | low | disputed",
"sources": ["string"],
"pearl_cdn_link": "string or null",
"excerpt": "string"
}
Temporal Classes
| Class | Meaning |
|---|---|
anchored | Exact timestamp known and verified |
estimated | Date range estimated from surrounding context |
unverified | Temporal position not confirmed |
Unverified results are never suppressed — they are displayed with clear labeling. Honest uncertainty is a design choice, not a bug.
API Access
The Chronos query API extends the Pearl-CDN pattern (Tier AA):
- Base URL:
http://127.0.0.1:4242(local) · Firebase Functions (production, W6) - Auth: Bearer token (same Member credential as Pearl-CDN)
- Rate limit: 100 req/min/Member (same as Pearl-CDN)
Full API documentation: see librarian-mcp/src/pearl_cdn/server.ts Chronos extension endpoints.