[en] An overall theory of column or square cascade separation has been developed on the basis of only a few assumptions, irrespective of the particular structure of the separating element or the involved physical-chemical processes. The main advantage of the theory is that it clarifies and facilitates the derivation of the mass transfer parameters. Using examples, it is demonstrated that well-known theories, e.g. that of the thermal diffusion column, can be reproduced. The theory is also applied to spray columns whose theory has so far been only slightly developed. (author)