EXHIBIT 23
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
2-84788, 33-22871, 33-23055, 33-33791, 33-40787, 33-53375, 33-58367 and 33-
64115 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement No. 33-47957 on Form S-3 of
Becton, Dickinson and Company and the related Prospectuses of our report dated
November 7, 1995, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Becton, Dickinson and Company included in this Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended September 30, 1995.
 
                                                 /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                 ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey 
December 21, 1995