X0201 42004-01-02 0000010795 BECTON DICKINSON & CO BDX 0001221778 BEATY HARRY N C/O BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY 1 BECTON DRIVE FRANKLIN LAKES NJ 07417 1000Rights to Common Stock Under 1996 Directors Deferral Plan2004-01-024A081.4341.36ACommon Stock81.4322535.3DThe securities convert to common stock on a one-for-one basis.The securities are distributed following termination of the reporting person's service as a director, on the date or dates specified by the reporting person.Gary DeFazio, by power of attorney for Harry N. Beaty2004-01-05