EXHIBIT 23.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the Varian, Inc. Omnibus Stock Plan of our reports dated
October 31, 1998, on our audits of the combined financial statements and
financial statement schedule of the Instruments Business of Varian Associates,
Inc.



/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
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PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


San Jose, California
March 31, 1999