Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated October 21, 1996, included in Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in this Registration Statement. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Arthur Andersen LLP Boston, Massachusetts February 11, 1997