In 1905, in Berne, Switzerland, lowly patent clerk, Albert Einstein had three scientific papers published: one of the theory of special relativity; one of Brownian motion (explaining molecular motion); one on the photoelectric effect. The first two are of interest primarily to physicists and students of physics. The consequences of the third paper confront us every day of our lives.

You owe your TV screen to the photoelectric effect, and also the remote control you point at it. You owe the computer screen to this effect. When, as you go into a store, the doors open to you, you are witnessing action of the photoelectric effect.

All students and adults should be aware of these endowments and, occasionally, say, "Thanks, Al."