EXHIBIT 23(a)
                                                                   -------------
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

        We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement (Form S-3) of Becton, Dickinson and Company for the
registration of $300,000,000 of its debt securities, and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated November 7, 1996, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Becton, Dickinson and Company
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended September 30, 1996,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                --------------------------------
                                                        Ernst & Young LLP

Hackensack, New Jersey
March 14, 1997