EXHIBIT 23
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
33-22871, 33-23055, 33-33791, 33-40787, 33-53375, 33-58367, 33-64115, 333-11885
and 333-16091 on Form S-8, and Registration Statement Nos. 333-23559 and 333-
38193 on Form S-3 of Becton, Dickinson and Company and the related Prospectuses
of our report dated November 6, 1997, 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, 1997.
 
                                                 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                 Ernst & Young LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey 
December 12, 1997