> Wouldn't that require some serious toxic-waste-handling protocols
> and be decidedly risky to the modifier?
Good point. The electrolyte (liquid) within the capacitor is mildly
acidic, so care should be taken when handling.
However, this must not be confused with handling of old electric
utility capacitors which may contain highly toxic PCB (polychlorinated
biphenyls). That's a completely different thing.
Anyhow, the "capacitor surgery" thing wasn't meant to be taken too
seriously. Wouldn't recommend doing such a thing.
-joachim