Dr. Masters, who during the interview showed few signs of Parkinson's disease, which he has had for several years, still travels and lectures and is actively involved in research. The institute, which the couple founded in the 1950's, has become smaller in recent years. While it pioneered the field of therapy for sexual dysfunctions, it no longer has a formal training program for therapists, instead concentrating on research and treatment programs, especially concerning sexual traumas like rape and molestation.

Still in operation is the institute's famous two-week intensive psychotherapy program, emphasizing communication and problem-solving skills to identify psychological and medical obstacles to a pleasurable sexual relationship. The program, for couples, includes a year of follow-up, and can cost up to $3,500.

Dr. Masters's "professional preoccupation was always 80 to 90 percent of his life," said Ms. Johnson, who has pulled back from institute work. "It was seven days a week, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and every holiday."

Still, at one point, she added, "I don't remember a time at home when the sound of some sport was not coming over television and radio."

"She makes too much of it," Dr. Masters interjected.

Her plans now include producing videos "using many forms but no explicit sex," she said, adding: "I'm developing a way to convey information to couples so that they can individually understand and appreciate their own sexuality. The whole issue is self-discovery."

Dr. Masters was remarried last summer, to Geraldine Baker Oliver, a woman he met 55 years ago while he was in medical school at the University of Rochester, had seen only a few times in the ensuing years and met again by happenstance. "It's a wonderful experience," he said in his mellifluous voice.

Ms. Johnson added, "He had an opportunity to do what few people can: go back to a wonderful time in his life before he was as involved professionally."