Early Life and Education

William Howell Masters was born on December 27, 1915, in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Dartmouth College, where he studied biology and graduated in 1938. Masters then went on to attend the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he received his medical degree in 1943.

Career in Sex Research

After completing his medical training, Masters began his career as a gynecologist and fertility specialist. In the early 1950s, he met Virginia Eshelman Johnson, a former singer who became his research partner and collaborator. Together, they conducted groundbreaking research on human sexuality at Washington University in St. Louis.

The Masters and Johnson Institute

In 1964, Masters and Johnson founded the Reproductive Biology Research Foundation, which later became known as the Masters and Johnson Institute. The institute was dedicated to researching sexual behavior and dysfunction and providing therapy for couples experiencing sexual difficulties.

Landmark Studies

Masters and Johnson's research revolutionized the field of sexology with their landmark studies on human sexual response. They published their findings in the groundbreaking book "Human Sexual Response" in 1966, which detailed the four stages of sexual arousal: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Personal Life

In addition to his professional achievements, Masters was married twice and had two children. He passed away on February 16, 2001, at the age of 85.

Legacy and Net Worth

William Howell Masters' contributions to the field of sex research have had a lasting impact on our understanding of human sexuality. His net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $10 million.

Overall, William Howell Masters' pioneering work in sex research has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the field of human sexuality.