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 4, 1999, 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 30,1999.

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

New York, New York
December 9, 1999