Abstract
The present uncertainties in the study of the sects derive, the author considers, from the fact that typologies, fixed ad the time of studying particular problems, or of analyzing the situation of the sects in the special framework of North America, have been applied generally. The author reviews rapidly several recent typologies, and insists on the urgent necessity of classifying the sects, taking into account the totality of institutional forms of religion, the world over. Wach's typology offers, from this last point of view, numerous advantages. In particular it has the merit of providing a framework based on socio-historical studies, not only wide enough but also simple enough to allow for all classifications as well as all comparisons. Furthermore, it leaves room for subsidiary classifications. In this last connection, the author sets out to elaborate typologies whilst distinguishing, at the start, the different levels of basic groupings, in such a way as to permit differentiation between essential typologies and such as are secondary or individual.