The Lancet began as an independent, international weekly general medical journal founded in 1823 by Thomas Wakley. Since its first issue (October 5, 1823), the journal has strived to make science widely available so that medicine can serve and transform society, and positively impact the lives of people. Over the past two centuries, The Lancet has sought to address urgent topics in our society, initiate debate, put science into context, and influence decision makers around the world. The Lancet has evolved as a family of journals in the fields of child & adolescent health, diabetes and endocrinology, digital health, gastroenterology and hepatology, global health, HIV, haematology, infectious diseases, neurology, oncology, planetary health, psychiatry, public health, planetary health, respiratory medicine, and rheumatology. It retains at its core the belief that medicine must serve society, that knowledge must transform society, that the best science must lead to better lives.