Exhibit 23.1

                                          
                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                                          
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the 
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of: (i) our 
supplemental report dated January 15, 1998 (except with respect to the matter 
discussed in Note 12, as to which the date is February 13, 1998), included in 
the Abbott Laboratories Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 1997 and (ii) our report dated January 15, 1998 (except with 
respect to the matter discussed in Note 12, as to which the date is February 13,
1998), incorporated by reference in the Abbott Laboratories Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and to all references to 
our firm in the registration statement.


                                           /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                                           -----------------------
                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Chicago, Illinois
December 23, 1998