<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ATRION CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                           3,172
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,897
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      3,960
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                39,366
<PP&E>                                          15,617
<DEPRECIATION>                                   2,475
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  60,942
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            5,773
<BONDS>                                            203
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           342
<OTHER-SE>                                      49,644
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    60,942
<SALES>                                         30,277
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                30,277
<CGS>                                           20,755
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   20,755
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                13,909
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                (818)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (3,328)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (1,283)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (2,045)
<DISCONTINUED>                                  19,215
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    17,170
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     5.33
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     5.33