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- Jones Taximeter, 1903 - The term "taxi" comes from "taximetre" -- the French word for a meter that measures distance and calculates a fare. Invented in 1891, these meters were widely used in European cabs by 1900. This example, designed by Joseph W. Jones and first used in 1903, is believed to be the first taximeter put into public use in the United States.
- 1902-1903
- Collections - Artifact
Jones Taximeter, 1903
The term "taxi" comes from "taximetre" -- the French word for a meter that measures distance and calculates a fare. Invented in 1891, these meters were widely used in European cabs by 1900. This example, designed by Joseph W. Jones and first used in 1903, is believed to be the first taximeter put into public use in the United States.
- Speedometer, 1908 - This early 20th-century speedometer calculated the motorist's speed as they drove American roads. It registered speeds up to 50 miles per hour while the odometer recorded mileage up to 10,000 miles. Vehicles today easily surpass these limits as highway drivers usually cruise past 55 miles per hour and today's commuters can well exceed 10,000 miles in a year.
- 1908
- Collections - Artifact
Speedometer, 1908
This early 20th-century speedometer calculated the motorist's speed as they drove American roads. It registered speeds up to 50 miles per hour while the odometer recorded mileage up to 10,000 miles. Vehicles today easily surpass these limits as highway drivers usually cruise past 55 miles per hour and today's commuters can well exceed 10,000 miles in a year.