The science of color is based on Color Matching, the ability to match any color using 3 basic colors, red, green and blue. Results of color matching lead through color space, to a color map called the Chromaticity Diagram. That defines a standard way to specify color, and is very useful for understanding how color works and color vision. Number 2 in series about Color Vision.
This video by Craig Blackwell is a great primer on the art and science of color matching.