EXHIBIT 23
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
2-84788, 33-22871, 33-23055, 33-33791, 33-40787 and 033-53375 on Form S-8 and
Registration Statement No. 33-47957 on Form S-3 of Becton, Dickinson and
Company and the related Prospectuses of our report dated November 8, 1994, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Becton,
Dickinson and Company included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended September 30, 1994.


                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Hackensack, New Jersey
December 20, 1994