Exhibit 23.1


               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

         We  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-4318)  pertaining to the 1988 Stock Option Plan, the
1995 Stock Option Plan, the 1995 Non-Employee  Directors' Stock Option Plan, and
the 1995 Employee  Stock Purchase Plan of Molecular  Devices  Corporation of our
report  dated  January 18,  1999,  with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements and schedule of Molecular Devices Corporation  included in the Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998.


                                                           ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Palo Alto, CA
March 26, 1999