EXHIBIT 23(a)

                    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 15, 1996 (except with respect to the
        matters discussed in Note 16 as to which the date is June 28,
        1996) included in Thermo Electron Corporation's Annual Report, as
        amended, on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 30, 1995 and
        to all references to our firm included in this registration
        statement.



        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

        Boston, Massachusetts  
        January 9, 1997