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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 (Amendment No. 1 to 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, as amended by Form 10-K/A) for the year ended September 30,
1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.     
                                             
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP     
   
Louisville, Kentucky     
   
April 29, 1998     
