Adversity often visits people just as their future seems brightest.

At the same time, other people learn that when one of life's doors closes, a window will open.

Both of these truisms describe the life of Ralph N. Elliott (1871-1948), the founder of the Wave Principle.

In the 1920s, Elliott became a successful business consultant. But his life of accomplishment and financial independence were in peril when he fell gravely ill.

During months of recuperation, Elliott occupied his mind with a meticulous study of the stock market.