Platinum, which means "like silver," was first discovered in the 18th century in South America. It is used to make jewelry and dental alloys and is also used in surgical pins and electrical contacts. In the 19th century, platinum was briefly used as a treatment for syphilis. In homeopathy it has been, and still is, used largely for the treatment of women's complaints. This is essentially a remedy for ailments of the female reproductive organs and nervous system. It is used for absent or heavy menstruation, vulval itching, ovarian pain, an inability to have sexual intercourse because of vaginismus (spasms in the vaginal muscles), and neuralgia. Physical symptoms include numbness of the skin, a constricted feeling, and coldness. Women who require this remedy have a particular sensitivity in the sexual organs; they may have a horror of pelvic examination because of this increased sensitivity.