Exhibit 5.1


                                 July 9, 1996


Individual, Inc.
8 New England Executive Park West
Burlington, MA  01803

    Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8 Relating to the Amended and
        Restated 1989 Stock Option Plan, 1996 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
        Plan and the Amended and Restated 1996 Stock Plan (collectively, the
        "Plans") of Individual, Inc. (the "Company")
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Dear Sir or Madam:
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     Reference is made to the above-captioned Registration Statement on Form S-8
(the "Registration Statement") filed by the Company on or about July 9, 1996
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, relating to an aggregate of 3,920,594 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par
value per share, of the Company issuable pursuant to the Plans (the "Shares").

     We have examined, are familiar with, and have relied as to factual matters
solely upon copies of the Plans, the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company, the minute books
and stock records of the Company and originals of such other documents,
certificates and proceedings as we have deemed necessary for the purpose of
rendering this opinion.

     Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been
duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of
the respective Plans, the terms of any option or purchase right grant thereunder
duly authorized by the Company's Board of Directors or Compensation Committee
and/or any related agreements with the Company, will be validly issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.

     We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault, LLP

                                    TESTA, HURWITZ & THIBEAULT, LLP