1
                                                                    Exhibit 21.1


                         Subsidiaries of the Registrant

1.   Molecular Devices GmbH, a corporation organized under the Laws of Germany.*

2.   Molecular Devices Ltd., a corporation organized under the Laws of England
     and Wales.*

3.   Molecular Devices Skatron, a corporation organized under the Laws of
     Norway.*

* A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant.