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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1








                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Ashland Inc. for the
registration of $150,000,000 6 5/8% Senior Notes Due 2008 and to the 
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated November 5, 1997, with 
respect to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement 
schedule of Ashland Inc. and subsidiaries, included in its Annual Report (Form 
10-K) for the year ended September 30, 1997, filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission.


                                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



March 17, 1998

