Is it possible to reverse engineer a ROM chip by grinding and taking photos?
If it is a ROM that stores its data in physical features (a mask ROM, or a fuse ROM, both very old types) this should be possible. I can't imagine it being possible for an EPROM/EEPROM/FLASH ROM, which store data as very small charges.

For a RAM/ROM that is based on magnetics (stone-age core memories, magneto-resistive, bubble memory, ...) you might be able to blow very fine iron particles over it and deduce the content from the pattern that they form. Might make a good shot for a movie..