Final answer:
While seals have historically been used for authentication with a physical impression, they can also hold symbolic significance or aesthetic value, serving purposes beyond reproducibility. Similarly, in biology, sealants are used for protection rather than for creating reproducible impressions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Can the seal work if it is not in photographically reproducible ink?' touches upon the functionality of a seal not based on its physical imprint but possibly on its symbolic value or other utility. Historically, seals were used to authenticate documents, with the seal's impression in wax or clay signifying the veracity and authority of the document's content. The photographically reproducible ink facilitated the creation of legitimate copies of the signed document, maintaining the integrity of the seal's impression.
However, seals could also serve other purposes beyond creating a reproducible impression. They could hold magical properties or be appreciated for their aesthetic beauty. For example, the presence of a seal could have been believed to offer protection or signify social status, independent of the visibility of its impression on a document.
In another context, the term 'sealant' refers to a substance used to block the passage of fluids through the surface or joints or openings in materials. For instance, in biology, a sealant can be applied to plants to stop evaporation and prevent infection through cuts where pathogens might enter. This form of sealing does not involve ink or the need for photographic reproduction but instead fulfills a protective function, ensuring the health and growth of the plant.