<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>l89099aex23-1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
of The Mead Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated January 25, 2001,
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Mead Corporation for the year
ended December 31, 2000.


Dayton, Ohio                                /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
                                            -----------------------------
June 28, 2001                              Deloitte & Touche LLP


                                      -6-
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>