Perkeo

The diminutive, extremely hard-drinking Clemens Pankert or, according to other sources, Giovanni Clementi (1702-1735) was court jester to Elector Karl III Philipp von der Pfalz (1661-1742), whose seat of government was in Heidelberg. The Elector became acquainted with Perkeo in Innsbruck, who impressed him with his quick wit and drinking and therefore took him to Heidelberg. Perkeo was only three feet six inches tall (1 m), but reportedly weighed 100 kg. His "dwarfishness" was probably due to pseudoachondroplasia (congenital short stature). He probably also suffered from a congenital ADH deficiency or the disease diabetes insipidus (water urine dysentery) with increased urine excretion and an increased feeling of thirst with increased drinking. The Elector is said to have asked him if he could drink the famous Heidelberg barrel with a volume of 221,726 litres all by himself. He is said to have replied in Italian: "Perché no?" (Why not?). This gave rise to the name of Perkeo, who was appointed keeper of the barrel. The Elector had a colourful uniform made for him. He also received a large medal and a huge cellar key at his side.

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Perkeo

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