EXHIBIT 5.1



                                February 8, 2002

Varian, Inc.
3120 Hansen Way
Palo Alto, California 94304-1030

      Re:   Registration Statement on Form S-8 - Varian, Inc. Omnibus Stock Plan
            --------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         At your request, we are rendering this opinion in connection with the
proposed issuance pursuant to the Varian, Inc. Omnibus Stock Plan (the "Plan"),
of up to 1,000,000 additional shares of common stock, $.01 par value ("Common
Stock"), of Varian, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") (the "Shares").

         We have examined instruments, documents, and records which we deemed
relevant and necessary for the basis of our opinion hereinafter expressed. In
such examination, we have assumed the following: (a) the authenticity of
original documents and the genuineness of all signatures; (b) the conformity to
the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies; and (c) the truth,
accuracy and completeness of the information, representations and warranties
contained in the records, documents, instruments and certificates we have
reviewed.

         Based on such examination, we are of the opinion that the Shares to be
issued by the Company pursuant to the Plan are validly authorized shares of
Common Stock, and, when issued in accordance with the provisions of the Plan,
will be legally issued, fully paid, and nonassessable.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
above referenced Registration Statement on Form S-8 and to the use of our name
wherever it appears in said Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we
do not consider that we are "experts" within the meaning of such term as used in
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission issued thereunder with respect to any part of
the Registration Statement, including this opinion, as an exhibit or otherwise.

                                    Very truly yours,



                                    /s/ Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
                                    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP