James Bryce (geologist)

James Bryce LLD FRSE (22 Oct 1806, in Killaig, Coleraine, Londonderry – 11 July 1877, in Inverfarigaig, Scotland) was an Irish mathematician, naturalist and geologist.

He was the third son of Rev James Bryce (1767–1857), and of Catherine Annan of Auchtermuchty in Fife, and was born at Killaig, near Coleraine, on 23 October 1806.

[1] He had intended to study for the bar, but, finding this beyond his means, adopted the profession of teaching, and became mathematical master in the Belfast Academy, a foundation school of considerably more prestige in Ulster.

He was a brilliant and successful teacher both of mathematics and geography, but his special interest lay in the study of natural history.

He was a keen and accurate observer, and having an ardent love of nature and great physical activity, continued his field work in the highlands of Scotland with unflagging zeal to the end of his life.

[1] While examining a remarkable mass of eruptive granite at Inverfarigaig, on the shores of Loch Ness, he disturbed some loose stones by the strokes of his hammer, and caused the blocks above to fall on him, killing him instantaneously, 11 July 1877.