EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the 1992 Stock Option Plan of Lynx Therapeutics, Inc. of our
report dated February 7, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Lynx Therapeutics, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K)
for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

                                                 /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Palo Alto, California
June 11, 2003