Why do characters get interpreted as algebraics?

[Joe Horn]

(05-21-2014 03:27 PM)DavidM Wrote:  

(05-21-2014 01:22 PM)HP67 Wrote:  Why do unquoted characters get interpreted as algebraics? ...

... I doubt you'll find the answer to your question in any documentation...

FYI, it actually is in the manuals for every RPL model. For example, in the original "HP 48 Owner's Manual" (Edition 1, 11/91), on page 6-6, under the heading "Using Quoted and Unquoted Variable Names", it says:

"If you execute an unquoted name that doesn't exist (it's a formal variable, no variable has been created with that name), the name is put on the stack with quotes. The ability to use names without having to create variables enables you to do symbolic math with the HP 48."

Similar info is on page 20 in the "HP-28C Reference Manual". Et cetera.