EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


        To Thermo Electron Corporation:

        As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
        incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our
        report dated February 10, 1995 (except with respect to the
        matters discussed in Note 15 as to which the date is July 20,
        1995) included in Thermo Electron Corporation's Form 10-K/A for
        the year ended December 31, 1994 and to all references to our
        firm included in this registration statement.



        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

        Boston, Massachusetts  
        December 21, 1995