Exhibit 12

MERCK & CO., INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

(In millions except ratio data)

			Nine Months
			Ended		Years Ended December 31
			September 30
			2002		2001		2000		1999		1998		1997
Income Before Taxes			$	7,513.8	$	10,402.6	$	9,824.1	$	8,619.5	$	8,133.1	$	6,462.3
Add:
	One-third of rents			62.0		77.7		67.0		66.7		56.0		47.0
	Interest expense, net			239.6		369.7		361.9		236.4		150.6		98.2
	Preferred stock dividends			124.7		199.6		205.2		120.7		62.1		49.6
	Earnings		$	7,940.1	$	11,049.6	$	10,458.2	$	9,043.3	$	8,401.8	$	6,657.1
One-third of rents			$	62.0	$	77.7	$	67.0	$	66.7	$	56.0	$	47.0
Interest expense				292.7		464.7		484.4		316.9		205.6		129.5
Preferred stock dividends				124.7		199.6		205.2		120.7		62.1		49.6
		Fixed Charges	$	479.4	$	742.0	$	756.6	$	504.3	$	323.7	$	226.1
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges				17		15		14		18		26		29

For purposes of computing these ratios, “earnings” consist of income before taxes, one-third of rents (deemed by the Company to be representative of the interest factor inherent in rents), interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, and dividends on preferred stock of subsidiary companies. “Fixed charges” consist of one-third of rents, interest expense as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and dividends on preferred stock of subsidiary companies.