<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THERMEDICS
INC.'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 1995 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-30-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-30-1995
<CASH>                                          37,370
<SECURITIES>                                    77,916
<RECEIVABLES>                                   45,309
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,982
<INVENTORY>                                     42,679
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               209,519
<PP&E>                                          30,302
<DEPRECIATION>                                  17,369
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 368,150
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           99,406
<BONDS>                                         45,201
<COMMON>                                         3,399
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     163,611
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   368,150
<SALES>                                        175,754
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               175,754
<CGS>                                           97,290
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   97,290
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                11,087
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   689
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,677
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 28,730
<INCOME-TAX>                                     9,154
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             15,121
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    15,121
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .45
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0