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.
I own a blackberry and a Nokia phone. In the 90s the cellphone was a luxury item. I thought it would be an interesting idea to dig out a little history about mobile phone. Dr. Martin Cooper of Motorola, made the first US analogue mobile phone call. Dr. Martin Cooper of Motorola, made the first US analogue mobile phone call. 1   Motorola is considered to be the inventor of the first practical mobile phone. 2  In 1940s Motorola developed a backpacked two-way radio, the Walkie-Talkie and a large hand-held two-way radio for the US military.