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                                  EXHIBIT 23.1
                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-38642) pertaining to the 1983 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and
in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-38643) pertaining to the 1984
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of Ferrofluidics Corporation of our report dated
September 3, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Ferrofluidics Corporation for the year ended June 30, 1996, included
in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 1996.



                                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                Manchester, New Hampshire
                                                September 20, 1996



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