If the patient outlives these more mechanical results of embolism, the local changes taking place are those tending to remove the extravasated blood or the dead tissues. The embolus has become an obstructing thrombus, and its removal is accomplished in the manner already stated in connection with the subject of thrombosis. The wedge-shaped nodule of hemorrhagic infarction becomes decolorized through the absorption, in part, of the blood-pigment. That portion which is not absorbed remains at the site of the original lesion as granular or crystalline blood-pigment. A granulation-tissue is formed at the periphery, which extends into the infarcted region, very much as the endothelial and vascularized growth extends into a thrombus. Eventually, a patch of cicatricial tissue remains as the sole indication of the previous disturbance. This termination is rather suggested for the hemorrhagic infarctions of the lungs. The results are more apparent and more easily demonstrated in the case of the anæmic necroses, and the somewhat irregular depressions with wedge-shaped scars, seen upon the surface of the spleen or kidneys, call attention to the probable nature of the process giving rise to these results. A source of embolism must also be associated, that these scars may be regarded as of embolic origin. The embolic softenings of the brain are likewise represented in after years by losses of substance. The superficial, yellow patches or localized oedematous blebs, with corresponding atrophy of the convolutions beneath, call attention to a nutritive disturbance, as do cyst-like cavities in the deeper parts of the brain. Here, too, a source of embolism must be found, that {66} the local destruction of tissue may be attributed to embolic obstruction of vascular territories. When the embolus arises from a septic thrombus, the results differ from those above described. The embolus then carries not only mechanical possibilities, but also a virulent action. The latter is manifested by the rapid production of local inflammatory disturbances, as circumscribed abscesses and gangrenous destruction of tissue. Since emboli are frequently lodged near the surfaces of organs, a septic pleurisy, pericarditis, or peritonitis is the usual result of the dissemination of the virus contained in the embolus. This virus is similar in character to that found in septic softening of the thrombus, and, like it, is intimately connected with the presence of microbia. Whether the latter are specific in character, as maintained by Klebs and others, or whether they are to be included among those associated with putrefactive processes, still remains an open question.