[zenojevski]

A transistor is just as much of a black box, only incredibly simpler.

You can decap hardware today in roughly the same way, and given of course enough time, understand it, and eventually control it.

[stephengillie]

These days decapping involves sandpaper and a magnifying glass.

[jacquesm]

Most likely acid. Sandpaper will destroy whatever you are trying to decap if you get close.

[13of40]

Used to be able to burn the package off with a torch and leave the chip somewhat unscathed. I hate to think of the chemicals I was exposing myself to when I did that as a kid, though.