You can scann in anything you like.I am currently using mine to scan in leaves and berries so I can make my own 3D trees in Bryce.Also Somewhere I have an article in an old Computer Arts magazine that shows how to use a scanner as a sort of camera.It also has some other things you can do but
as it involves liquids and turning the scanner face down I'm kinda reluctant to try it as it's likely to damage it.
Mind I think we still have the old scanner upstairs.