1
                                                                   Exhibit 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
Genzyme Corporation on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-8881, 33-15616, 33-26329,
33-29918, 33-35067, 33-37236, 33-41933, 33-55656, 33-68188, 33-58359, 33-60437,
333-10003, 33-30007, 33-68208, 33-58351, 333-10005, 33-22464, 33-29440,
33-51416, 33-68186, 33-58353, 33-58355, 33-60435, 33-21241) and on Form S-3
(File Nos. 33-61853, 333-15597) of our reports, dated February 27, 1997 on our
audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule of Genzyme Corporation, the combined financial statements and
financial statement schedule of Genzyme General Division and the combined
financial statements and financial statement schedule of Genzyme Tissue Repair
Division as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996, which reports are included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.


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


Boston, Massachusetts
March 28, 1997