1

                                                             
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Genzyme Corporation on the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 
(Registration No. 33-44960) of our reports dated March 1, 1995 on our audits
of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of
Genzyme Corporation, the combined financial statements of Genzyme General
Division and the combined financial statements of Genzyme Tissue Repair Division
as of December 31, 1993 and 1994 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1994, which reports are included in Genzyme Corporation's
1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 thereto
on Form 10-K/A.

We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."


/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Boston, Massachusetts
March 8, 1996