1
                                                                Exhibit 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                       ----------------------------------

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-3 of Genzyme Corporation of our reports dated March 1, 1996 except as to
Note Q which is March 26, 1996 on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Genzyme Corporation, dated March
1, 1996 except as to Note R which is March 26, 1996 on our audits of the
combined financial statements and financial statement schedule of Genzyme
General Division and dated March 1, 1996 except as to Note O which is March 26,
1996 on our audits of the combined financial statements and financial statement
schedule of Genzyme Tissue Repair Division as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, which reports
are included in Genzyme Corporation's 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In addition, we consent to the reference to our firm under the caption
"EXPERTS".

                                   /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P
                                   Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Boston, Massachusetts
November 5, 1996