By Albert Edward Wiggam. Introduction by Colin Heston.

Albert Edward Wiggam’s The Fruit of the Family Tree (1924) occupies a distinctive place in the intellectual landscape of early 20th-century America, where science, social reform, and cultural optimism converged. Wiggam, a prominent science writer and lecturer, sought to popularize the principles of heredity and evolution for a general audience, framing them as tools for personal and societal improvement. His work reflects the era’s fascination with genetics and its implications for human progress—a fascination that often intersected with the controversial discourse of eugenics.

At its core, Wiggam’s book argues that the family is not merely a social institution but a biological continuum, transmitting physical, mental, and moral traits across generations. He contends that understanding these hereditary forces is essential for shaping character, guiding marriage choices, and fostering the “betterment” of humanity. This perspective resonated with contemporary movements advocating scientific approaches to social problems, yet it also raises critical questions about determinism, individual agency, and the ethical boundaries of applying biological principles to human affairs.

Historically, The Fruit of the Family Tree emerged during a period of optimism about science’s capacity to engineer progress. The rediscovery of Mendelian genetics and the rise of evolutionary psychology fueled public interest in heredity, while the eugenics movement—then regarded by many as progressive—sought to apply these insights to improve population quality. Wiggam’s writings, widely read and influential, exemplify this cultural moment: they blend scientific exposition with moral exhortation, urging readers to consider the long-term consequences of their choices for future generations.

Upon its publication, The Fruit of the Family Tree was warmly received by a public eager for accessible scientific knowledge. Wiggam’s engaging style and ability to translate complex biological concepts into practical advice made him a popular figure on the lecture circuit and in print. The book was praised for its clarity and its alignment with contemporary ideals of progress and rational planning. Many readers embraced its message as a guide to responsible parenthood and social improvement.

However, the legacy of Wiggam’s work is more complex. While his writings contributed to the popularization of genetics and the notion of “scientific living,” they also reinforced ideas that later came under ethical scrutiny. His advocacy of selective breeding and emphasis on hereditary “quality” aligned with mainstream eugenics discourse, which would eventually be discredited due to its association with coercive policies and discriminatory practices. Today, scholars view Wiggam’s work as emblematic of a historical moment when optimism about science blurred into prescriptive social engineering.

Despite these controversies, The Fruit of the Family Tree remains significant as a cultural artifact. It illuminates the interplay between science and social ideals in the early 20th century and invites reflection on the enduring tension between biological determinism and human freedom. In revisiting Wiggam’s text, modern readers confront not only the aspirations and anxieties of a bygone era but also the cautionary lessons about the ethical use of scientific knowledge in shaping human destiny

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.234.

By Dr. Chance Miller

Especially in areas where it has been authorized for medical and adult use, marijuana consumption is increasing. From chronic pain to anxiety, insomnia, and even appetite loss, people all around are finding its therapeutic benefits. More and more patients are using medical marijuana for relief. A key component of cardiovascular health is blood pressure— the pressure of blood against the walls of your arteries. Consistently elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, can cause major health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and renal damage. Understanding how marijuana affects blood pressure has grown more crucial given its rising popularity—particularly for those who might already have hypertension or heart issues. This article will help you decide whether marijuana could be a good fit for patients with blood pressure issues, as well as how it might affect heart health and the connection between marijuana and blood pressure. Whether you are thinking about medical marijuana for a chronic ailment or just interested in its effects on your health, this knowledge is essential for making an informed choice.

How Marijuana Affects the Body Before knowing how marijuana affects blood pressure, one must first appreciate its more general interaction with the human body.

TeleLeaf. 2025. 5p.

By Mary E. Richmond

Mary E. Richmond's "Social Diagnosis," published in 1917, is a seminal work that laid the foundation for the scientific methodology of social casework. Richmond's pioneering approach emphasized the importance of understanding the interaction between individuals and their environments, providing a structured framework for diagnosing and addressing social issues. Despite its groundbreaking contributions, "Social Diagnosis" has faced criticisms over the years. Modern social workers have developed various strategies to address these criticisms, ensuring that the principles of social work continue to evolve and remain relevant.

Richmond's work emerged during a period when social work was transitioning from charitable activities to a more structured profession. Her book provided a scientific basis for social casework, which was essential for the professionalization of social work. Richmond introduced the concept of social diagnosis, involving a detailed analysis of an individual's situation and personality in relation to their social environment. She identified six sources of power available to clients and social workers: within the household, the person of the client, the neighborhood and wider social network, civil agencies, and private and public agencies.

While highly regarded, "Social Diagnosis" has faced several criticisms. Critics argue that Richmond's focus on individual diagnosis and personal responsibility can overshadow broader social and structural factors contributing to social issues. Given the time period in which Richmond wrote, her work has been critiqued for lacking cultural sensitivity and failing to adequately address the diverse cultural backgrounds of clients. Richmond's methodology primarily focuses on casework and individual interventions, which can be limiting as it does not fully address the need for broader community and policy-level interventions. Some aspects of "Social Diagnosis" are considered outdated by contemporary standards, as the field of social work has evolved significantly since Richmond's time. While groundbreaking, some critics have pointed out that Richmond's methods lacked the rigorous empirical validation expected in modern social science research.

Modern Adaptations in Social Work. Modern social workers have developed various strategies. They adopt holistic and ecological approaches, considering the complex interplay between individuals and their environments. This framework recognizes the impact of social, economic, and cultural factors on clients' lives. Social work education and practice now place a strong emphasis on cultural competence. Social workers are trained to understand and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of their clients, ensuring that interventions are culturally sensitive and appropriate. In addition to individual casework, modern social workers engage in macro-level interventions, including community organizing, policy advocacy, and systemic change efforts aimed at addressing broader social issues and inequalities. To enhance scientific rigor, social workers increasingly rely on evidence-based practice. This approach involves using research and empirical data to inform interventions, ensuring that they are effective and grounded in scientific evidence. Examples of evidence-based practice include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for mental health issues, Motivational Interviewing for substance abuse treatment, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and adolescents[1][2][3]. Modern social work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration. Social workers work alongside professionals from other fields, such as healthcare, education, and law, to provide comprehensive support to clients. This collaborative approach helps address the multifaceted nature of social issues. Ongoing professional development is crucial in modern social work. Social workers are encouraged to engage in lifelong learning, staying updated with the latest research, theories, and best practices. This commitment to professional growth helps them address emerging challenges and improve their practice.

Conclusion: Mary E. Richmond's "Social Diagnosis" remains a cornerstone in the field of social work, continuing to influence practice, education, and research. While it has faced criticisms, modern social workers have developed strategies to address these limitations, ensuring that the principles of social work evolve and remain relevant. By incorporating holistic approaches, cultural competence, macro-level interventions, evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continual professional development, social workers build on Richmond's foundational work while adapting to contemporary social challenges.

By Mary E. Richmond

“The Long View” serves both as a historical document and as a critique of the limitations and challenges facing social work in the early 20th century. The title itself suggests her forward-thinking approach, urging practitioners to consider the long-term effects of their interventions rather than focusing solely on immediate relief. In this sense, the book represents a call for a more holistic and preventive approach to social work rather than a reactive or crisis-driven model. A key strength of her work is Richmond’s insistence on the importance of professionalization in social work. She argues for a rigorous, research-informed approach to casework, emphasizing the need for training, standardization, and ethical responsibility. This argument anticipates later debates in the field about the tension between bureaucratic efficiency and personalized, client-centered care. Richmond’s work in this book also highlights her concern with the social and structural determinants of poverty, distinguishing her from social workers who focus primarily on individual moral failings.

Originally published 1930 Russell Sage Fdn. Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 411p.

By K. Viswanath, Tiffany E. Taylor, and Holly G. Rhodes, Editors; Committee on Understanding and Addressing Misinformation About Science; Board on Science Education; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Our current information ecosystem makes it easier for misinformation about science to spread and harder for people to figure out what is scientifically accurate. Proactive solutions are needed to address misinformation about science, an issue of public concern given its potential to cause harm at individual, community, and societal levels. Improving access to high-quality scientific information can fill information voids that exist for topics of interest to people, reducing the likelihood of exposure to and uptake of misinformation about science. Misinformation is commonly perceived as a matter of bad actors maliciously misleading the public, but misinformation about science arises both intentionally and inadvertently and from a wide range of sources.

NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS. 2024. 409p.

By Scott Poland

Importance of Training: School personnel, especially counselors, need proper training to effectively handle suicidal students and understand the warning signs.

Administrative Support: Gaining support from top administrators is crucial for implementing a successful suicide intervention program.

Family Involvement: Notifying and involving parents is essential when dealing with suicidal students.

Confidentiality: While students expect confidentiality, it must be broken if a student's welfare is at risk

Guilford Press, 1989, 213 pages