<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K OF THE MEAD CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1994
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1994
<CASH>                                             484
<SECURITIES>                                         0
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<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 1,894
<PP&E>                                           4,163
<DEPRECIATION>                                   1,849
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   4,863
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            1,088
<BONDS>                                            958
<COMMON>                                           175
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                       2,008
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     4,863
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 4,558
<CGS>                                                0
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<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   543
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
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<INCOME-PRETAX>                                     52
<INCOME-TAX>                                        23
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                 29
<DISCONTINUED>                                     617
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                   (11)
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<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    11.21
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