<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from 
FMC Corporation Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 and is qualified 
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                            JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                              MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                             52 
<SECURITIES>                                        0 
<RECEIVABLES>                                    1024 
<ALLOWANCES>                                       11 
<INVENTORY>                                       852 
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 2168       
<PP&E>                                           4278      
<DEPRECIATION>                                   2337    
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   4927      
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            1935    
<BONDS>                                          1293  
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               0 
<PREFERRED>                                         0 
<COMMON>                                            4 
<OTHER-SE>                                        861       
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     4927         
<SALES>                                          1280          
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 1298          
<CGS>                                             978          
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                     978          
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    0       
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0      
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 32       
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    56       
<INCOME-TAX>                                       16      
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                40<F1>      
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0 
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0      
<CHANGES>                                           0  
<NET-INCOME>                                       40 
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    1.05 
<EPS-DILUTED>                                       0 
<FN>

<F1> Income from continuing operations before income taxes is net of minority
     interest of 19 for March 31, 1997. Minority interests are primarily limited
     partner's share of partnership profits for which tax has not been provided.
</FN>