Dispersion interactions in stratified anisotropic and optically active media at all separations

We propose a method to calculate dispersion interactions in a system composed of a one dimensional layering of finite thickness anisotropic and optically active slabs. The result is expressed within the algebra of 4x4 matrices and is demonstrated to be equivalent to the known limits of isotropic, nonretarded and uniaxial dispersion interactions. The method is also capable of handling dielectric media with smoothly varying anisotropy axes.