CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Published on December 16, 1998



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, 333-16091 and 333-46089 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 5, 1998, 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, 1998.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
_____________________________________
Ernst & Young LLP

Hackensack, New Jersey
December 14, 1998