[LETTERHEAD OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP]



                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                       --------------------------------


The Board of Directors
FMC Corporation

We consent to the use of our report dated January 17, 1997 on the consolidated
financial statements of FMC Corporation and consolidated subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1996 incorporated herein by reference.

                                       /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March 26, 1997