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                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on
Form S-8 (File No. 33-8881) of Genzyme Corporation for its 1990 Equity Incentive
Plan 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 all as of December 31, 1995 and 1996
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, which
reports are included in Genzyme Corporation's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


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


Boston, Massachusetts
April 16, 1997


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