Meaning: Gabriel Lippmann, a physicist and Nobel Prize winner in 1908, made significant contributions to the understanding of color photography and the phenomenon of interference in thin films. The quote provided delves into the concept of composite color and the complexities involved in capturing and reproducing it accurately.

Lippmann's reference to "composite color" pertains to the combination of different colors to create a broader spectrum. In the context of photography, this encompasses the reproduction of colors through a combination of primary colors, such as red, green, and blue. Lippmann's work in this area was pioneering, as he developed a method for capturing and reproducing colors in a more accurate and realistic manner than was previously possible.

The quote also mentions "maxima infinitely slight" and "interval values," which allude to the intricate nuances and variations within composite color. This highlights the challenge of accurately representing the full spectrum of colors, especially in a continuous and seamless manner. Lippmann's research and experiments were aimed at achieving a faithful and comprehensive representation of colors, accounting for the subtleties and complexities inherent in the visual spectrum.

The reference to "the whole thickness of the sensitive layer" emphasizes the depth and intricacy involved in capturing composite color. In photographic terms, this may refer to the layers of emulsions or sensors used to record colors. Lippmann's work involved developing methods to capture color information across the entire depth of the sensitive layer, ensuring that the full range of colors and their variations could be faithfully recorded.

Lippmann's groundbreaking achievements in color photography were made possible through his understanding of the phenomenon of interference in thin films. This phenomenon is based on the interaction of light waves as they pass through or reflect off thin layers of material, leading to the creation of interference patterns and the manipulation of color. Lippmann's work in this area allowed for the development of more advanced and accurate methods for capturing and reproducing colors in photography.

Overall, Lippmann's quote encapsulates the complexity and intricacy involved in the reproduction of composite color, as well as the challenges and innovations associated with achieving a comprehensive and faithful representation of colors. His contributions to the understanding of interference in thin films and its application to color photography have had a lasting impact on the field, influencing advancements in color reproduction and imaging technologies.