Why does "file" change the creation time on some Unix systems?

[Duane Morse]

The "file" command on our NCR Tower 32/600 (version 1.04.02) and on
our Motorola 8650 changes the creation time of the files it examines.
The file command doesn't do that on some of our other Unix systems
(Microport 286, Interactive 386). Is there any reason (other than
brain damage) why "file" should change the creation time?
-- 

Duane Morse	...{asuvax or mcdphx}!anasaz!duane
(602) 861-7609