Social work is a profession that draws (or should draw) on available knowledge in the disciplines as well as other sources including other professions in the pursuit of "the betterment of life conditions of individuals, groups, and communities." An historical perspective illustrates opportunities taken and lost to harvest knowledge in pursuit of this aim. This, combined with a sociological view, suggests how we can make use of history in creating new futures including minimizing avoidable suffering. An agenda for forwarding a science-informed social work is suggested based on this perspective. (Contains 2 tables.)