<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0001047469-03-025658
<TYPE>S-8
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>3
<FILING-DATE>20030731
<EFFECTIVENESS-DATE>20030731
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>DANAHER CORP /DE/
<CIK>0000313616
<ASSIGNED-SIC>3823
<IRS-NUMBER>591995548
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>DE
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>S-8
<ACT>33
<FILE-NUMBER>333-107500
<FILM-NUMBER>03813571
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>2099 PENNSYLVANIA AVE N.W., 12TH FLOOR
<CITY>WASHINGTON
<STATE>DC
<ZIP>20006
<PHONE>2028280850
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>2099 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. N.W., 12TH FLOOR
<CITY>WASHINGTON
<STATE>DC
<ZIP>20006
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>DMG INC
<DATE-CHANGED>19850221
</FORMER-COMPANY>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-8
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a2115543zs-8.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM S-8
<TEXT>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July&nbsp;31, 2003  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration Statement No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>FORM S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>DANAHER CORPORATION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(State or Other Jurisdiction of<BR>
Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>59-1995548</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<TD COLSPAN=3 ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.<BR>
Washington, D.C. 20006-1813<BR>
(202)&nbsp;828-0850</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>DANAHER CORPORATION&nbsp;&amp; SUBSIDIARIES RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLAN;  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B> DANAHER CORPORATION&nbsp;&amp; SUBSIDIARIES SAVINGS PLAN<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full Title of the Plan) </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Patrick W. Allender<BR>
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary<BR>
2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.<BR>
Washington, D.C. 20006-1813<BR>
(202)&nbsp;828-0850<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service of process) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TH WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities to be Registered<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to be Registered<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Share<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
Registration Fee<BR> </B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
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<TD COLSPAN=9><HR NOSHADE></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="23%"><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock, $.01 par value</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>1,000,000 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2>(1)(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>$70.22</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>$70,220,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>$6,409</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
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<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="23%"><FONT SIZE=2>Interest in the Danaher Corporation &amp; Subsidiaries Retirement and Savings Plan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></TD>
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<TD COLSPAN=9><HR NOSHADE></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="23%"><FONT SIZE=2>Interest in the Danaher Corporation &amp; Subsidiaries Savings Plan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="17%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
number of shares being registered represent the number of shares that may be acquired by the Danaher Corporation &amp; Subsidiaries Retirement &amp; Savings Plan or the Danaher
Corporation &amp; Subsidiaries Savings Plan in connection with a participant's election to invest a portion of his or her interest in such plan in a fund that invests in Danaher's common stock. </FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT
SIZE=2>Pursuant
to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), this registration statement also covers an indeterminate number of shares as may be required to cover
possible adjustments under the plan by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, share combination, exchange of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, separation, reorganization,
liquidation or the like, of or by the Registrant. </FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Calculated
pursuant to Rule 457(c) and (h) based on the average of the high and low per share prices of the Common Stock on July 25, 2003, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. </FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Pursuant
to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act, this registration statement also covers an indeterminate number of plan interests to be offered or sold pursuant to the Danaher
Corporation &amp; Subsidiaries Retirement and Savings Plan and the Danaher Corporation &amp; Subsidiaries Savings Plan. </FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(5)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Pursuant
to Rule 457(h)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, no separate fee is required to register plan interests. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1740_part_i"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1740_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART I    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As permitted by Rule&nbsp;428 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), this registration statement omits the information specified
in Part&nbsp;I of Form&nbsp;S-8. The documents containing the information specified in Part&nbsp;I of Form&nbsp;S-8 will be delivered to the participants in the plans
covered by this registration statement, as required by Rule&nbsp;428(b) under the Securities Act. All such documents will be dated and maintained in a "prospectus file" meeting the requirements of
Rule&nbsp;428(a) and will contain in a conspicuous place the legend required by Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1). Such documents are not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this
registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424 under the Securities Act. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1740_part_ii_information_req__de102482"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1740_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II<BR>  INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1740_item_3._incorporation_of_documents_by_reference"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1740_3"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents filed by Danaher Corporation (the "Registrant," the "Company," "Danaher," "we," "our," "us")) with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") (File No.&nbsp;1-08089) are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2002;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March&nbsp;28, 2003 and June&nbsp;27, 2003, respectively; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
description of Danaher common stock as set forth in its registration statement on Form&nbsp;8-B filed on November&nbsp;3, 1986, including all amendments and reports filed for
the purpose of updating such description. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
addition, all documents filed by the Registrant with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subsequent to
the date of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or
which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents. Any statement contained in any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this registration
statement to the extent that a statement contained herein, or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1740_item_4._description_of_securities"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1740_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1740_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1740_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1740_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1740_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under Section&nbsp;145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL"), a corporation may indemnify its directors, officers,
employees and agents and its former directors, officers, employees and agents and those who serve, at the corporation's request, in such capacities with another enterprise, against expenses (including
attorney's fees), as well as judgments, fines and </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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<A NAME="page_de1740_1_3"> </A>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>settlements
in nonderivative lawsuits, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding in which they or any of them were or are made parties or are
threatened to be made parties by reason of their serving or having served in such capacity. The DGCL provides, however, that such person must have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she
reasonably believed to be in (or not opposed to) the best interests of the corporation and, in the case of a criminal action, such person must have had no reasonable cause to believe his or her
conduct was unlawful. In addition, the DGCL does not permit indemnification in an action or suit by or in the right of the corporation, where such person has been adjudged liable to the corporation,
unless, and only to the extent that, a court determines that such person fairly and reasonably is entitled to indemnity for costs the court deems proper in light of liability adjudication. Indemnity
is mandatory to the extent a claim, issue or matter has been successfully defended. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Article
Ten of Danaher's Certificate of Incorporation provides that Danaher will indemnify its directors and officers to the full extent permitted by law and that no director shall be
liable for monetary damages to Danaher or its stockholders for any breach of fiduciary duty, except to the extent provided by applicable law (i)&nbsp;for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty
to Danaher or its stockholders, (ii)&nbsp;for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii)&nbsp;pursuant to Section&nbsp;174
of the DGCL, or (iv)&nbsp;for any transaction from which such director derived an improper personal benefit. Article Eight of Danaher's By-laws provides that Danaher will indemnify
directors, officers, employees or agents of Danaher in non-derivative claims if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of Danaher, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. For non-derivative claims, termination
of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, in itself, create a presumption that the person did not act
in good faith and in a manner which such person believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Danaher, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to
believe that such person's conducts was unlawful. For derivative claims, Article Eight of Danaher's By-laws provides that Danaher will indemnify directors, officers, employees or agents of
Danaher if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Danaher; except that no indemnification shall be made in
respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to Danaher unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such
action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled
to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Danaher
has in effect insurance policies for general officers' and directors' liability insurance covering all of Danaher's officers and directors. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1740_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1740_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1740_item_8._exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1740_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EXHIBITS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit Number<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="85%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP, independent auditors</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Notice Regarding Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney (included on signature page to this Registration Statement)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company previously received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service that the Danaher Corporation&nbsp;&amp; Subsidiaries Retirement&nbsp;&amp; Savings Plan is a
qualified plan under the Internal Revenue Code and will submit the Danaher Corporation&nbsp;&amp; Subsidiaries Savings Plan for a similar determination in a timely manner as permitted under the Code.
The Company hereby undertakes to
submit any amendments to the Plans to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") in a timely manner, and will make all changes required by the IRS in order to maintain the tax qualifications of the
Plans. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de1740_item_9._undertakings"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de1740_9"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;UNDERTAKINGS    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(i)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(ii)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof)
which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(iii)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement; </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>provided</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>however</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, that paragraphs (a)(i)&nbsp;and (a)(ii)&nbsp;of this Item 9 do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or
Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement. </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(d)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>That,
for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated
by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(e)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>That,
insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to Item 16
above, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<UL>
<UL>
</UL>
</UL>
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_jc1740_1_5"> </A> </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1740_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1740_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the District of
Columbia, on July&nbsp;31, 2003. </FONT></P>

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<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>DANAHER CORPORATION</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>PATRICK W. ALLENDER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Patrick W. Allender<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Executive Vice President&#151;Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1740_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1740_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Patrick W. Allender and Robert S. Lutz, and each of them, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution and each with full power to act without the other, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead,
in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their, his or her substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2>Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>H. LAWRENCE CULP, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Director,
President and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>PATRICK W. ALLENDER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Patrick W. Allender<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Executive Vice President&#151;Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary<BR>
(Principal Financial Officer)</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ROBERT S. LUTZ</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Robert S. Lutz<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer<BR>
(Principal Accounting Officer)</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MORTIMER M. CAPLIN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Mortimer M. Caplin<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Director</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- insert table folio -->
<BR>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<A NAME="page_jc1740_1_6"> </A>
<!-- end of table folio -->
<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DONALD J. EHRLICH</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Donald J. Ehrlich<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Director</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MITCHELL P. RALES</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Mitchell P. Rales<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Director and Chairman of the Executive Committee</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>STEVEN M. RALES</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Steven M. Rales<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Director and Chairman of the Board</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WALTER G. LOHR, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Walter G. Lohr, Jr.<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Director</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><BR><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Alan G. Spoon<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Director</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>A. EMMET STEPHENSON, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> A. Emmet Stephenson, Jr.<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Director</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: July&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JOHN T. SCHWIETERS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> John T. Schwieters<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Director</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=6,EFW="2115543",CP="DANAHER CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=46448,FOLIO='6',FILE='DISK016:[03WDC0.03WDC1740]JC1740A.;5',USER='WAVILES',CD='31-JUL-2003;09:24' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_je1740_1_7"> </A> </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="je1740_plan_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_je1740_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PLAN SIGNATURES    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Danaher Corporation&nbsp;&amp; Subsidiaries Retirement&nbsp;&amp; Savings Plan trustee or other person
who administers the Plan have duly caused this registration statement to be signed on behalf of the Plan by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the District of Columbia, on July&nbsp;31,
2003. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>DANAHER CORPORATION&nbsp;&amp; SUBSIDIARIES<BR>
RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLAN</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>DANAHER CORPORATION, Plan Sponsor</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>PATRICK W. ALLENDER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Patrick W. Allender<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Executive Vice President&#151;Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Danaher Corporation&nbsp;&amp; Subsidiaries Savings Plan trustee or other person who administers the Plan have duly caused
this registration statement to be signed on behalf of the Plan by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the District of Columbia, on July&nbsp;31, 2003. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>DANAHER CORPORATION&nbsp;&amp; SUBSIDIARIES<BR>
SAVINGS PLAN</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>DANAHER CORPORATION, Plan Sponsor</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="41%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>PATRICK W. ALLENDER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Patrick W. Allender<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Executive Vice President&#151;Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>7</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka1740_exhibit_index"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka1740_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

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<TABLE WIDTH="76%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit Number<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="85%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP, independent auditors</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Notice Regarding Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney (included on signature page to this Registration Statement)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<HR NOSHADE>
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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="03WDC1740_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1740_1">PART I</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1740_2">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1740_3">Item 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1740_4">Item 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1740_5">Item 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1740_6">Item 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1740_7">Item 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1740_8">Item 8. EXHIBITS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1740_9">Item 9. UNDERTAKINGS</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1740_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1740_2">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_je1740_1">PLAN SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka1740_1">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></FONT><BR>
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</BODY>
</HTML>

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>a2115543zex-23_1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>

</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#03WDC1740_2">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
<font size=3> -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document</font>
<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="kg1740_exhibit_23.1"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_kg1740_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Exhibit&nbsp;23.1    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="kg1740_consent_of_independent_auditors"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_kg1740_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Consent of Independent Auditors    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form&nbsp;S-8) pertaining to the Danaher Corporation&nbsp;&amp;
Subsidiaries Retirement and Savings Plan and the Danaher Corporation&nbsp;&amp; Subsidiaries Savings Plan of our report dated January&nbsp;29, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Danaher Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form&nbsp;10-K) for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. </FONT></P>

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<TABLE WIDTH="76%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="42%"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Ernst&nbsp;&amp; Young LLP</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Baltimore,
Maryland<BR>
July&nbsp;30, 2003 </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_kg1740_1">Exhibit 23.1</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_kg1740_2">Consent of Independent Auditors</A></FONT><BR>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Exhibit&nbsp;23.2    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>NOTICE REGARDING CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP    <BR>    </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December&nbsp;31, 2001 and 2000 incorporated by reference into this registration statement
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. Arthur Andersen LLP has not reissued its report with respect to those consolidated financial statements and we have not been able to obtain, after reasonable
efforts, Arthur Andersen LLP's written consent to the incorporation in this registration statement of said report. Under these circumstances, Rule&nbsp;437a under the Securities Act permits us to
file this registration statement without a written consent from Arthur Andersen LLP. Since Arthur Andersen LLP has not issued its consent to the incorporation of their report in this registration
statement, you may not be able to recover against Arthur Andersen LLP under Section&nbsp;11 of the Securities Act. </FONT></P>

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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ki1740_2">NOTICE REGARDING CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP</A></FONT><BR>

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