Exhibit 23(a)

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

          We consent to the incorporation by reference in this
          Registration Statement, related to debt securities, of
          The Mead Corporation on Form S-3 of our report dated
          January 25, 1996, appearing in the Annual Report on Form
          10-K of The Mead Corporation for the year ended December
          31, 1995, and to the reference to us under the heading
          "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
          Registration Statement

          Dayton, Ohio                       DELLOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
          November 12, 1996