early 12c., one of the ecclesiastical princes who constitute the sacred college (short for cardinalis ecclesiae Romanae or episcopus cardinalis), from Latin cardinalis principal, chief, essential (see cardinal (adj.)). Ecclesiastical use began for the presbyters of the chief (cardinal) churches of Rome.
In 1889, the rotary telephone dial was invented by Almon B. Strowger , a Kansas City undertaker. The first dial exchange was installed at La Porte, Indiana, in 1892. In 1943, Philadelphia was the last major area to give up dual service.
Howard Robard Hughes Sr. (September 9, 1869 â January 14, 1924) was an American businessman and inventor. He was the founder of Hughes Tool Company. He invented the SharpâHughes rotary tri-cone rock drill bit during the Texas Oil Boom. He is best known as the father of Howard Hughes, the famous American business tycoon.