After a time, there follows contraction of membrane, and slow shrinking of the whole mass of the organ in its cellular parts.

Then the shrunken, hardened, roughened mass is said to be 'hob-nailed,' a common, but expressive term.

By the time this change occurs, the body of him in whom it is developed is usually dropsical in its lower parts, owing to the obstruction offered to the returning blood by the veins, and his fate is sealed....

Again, under an increase of fatty substance in the body, the structure of the liver may be charged with, fatty cells, and undergo what is technically designated fatty degeneration." HOW THE KIDNEYS SUFFER.
"The kidneys, also, suffer deterioration.

Their minute structures undergo fatty modification; their vessels lose their due elasticity of power of contraction; or their membranes permit to pass through them the albumen from the blood.