Pioneers of Sex Research: William Masters (1915–2001) and Virginia Johnson (1925–2013) In 1966 Masters and Johnson, shown here interviewing a couple, broke new ground in the scientific study of sexual behavior when they published Human Sexual Response. In that book they provided the first extensive laboratory data on the anatomy and physiology of the male and female sexual response. Although intended for clinicians, the book became a best-seller that was translated into over thirty languages. Some critics felt the Masters and Johnson research had violated “sacred ground” and dehumanized sexuality. But others applauded Human Sexual Response for advancing the understanding of human sexuality and dispelling misconceptions. The techniques they developed are still widely used in sex therapy today.

George Tames/The New York Times/Redux