Pollard invented the script for use with A-Hmao, one of several Miao languages spoken in southeast Asia.

Pollard credited the basic idea of the script to the Cree syllabics designed by James Evans in 1838–1841: "While working out the problem, we remembered the case of the syllabics used by a Methodist missionary among the Indians of North America, and resolved to do as he had done."

He also gave credit to a Chinese pastor: "Stephen Lee assisted me very ably in this matter, and at last we arrived at a system.

"[1] The introduction of Christian materials in the script that Pollard invented had a great impact among the Miao people.

In 1949 Pollard adapted it for a group of Miao in Szechuan, creating a distinct alphabet.