Ulster-Scots school teacher and geologist. Bryce was born in Northern Ireland, the son of Scottish clergyman, and educated at the University of Glasgow. He taught mathematics and geography at Belfast Academy and the High School of Glasgow (1840-74).
His most notable works were A Treatise on the Elements of Algebra (1837), First Principles of Geography and Astronomy: With the use of Globes (1848) and The International Atlas and Geography: Modern, Historical, Classical and Physical (1870). He had also published on the geology of Northern Ireland, and removed himself to Edinburgh where he devoted his retirement to studying geology. He worked on Arran and the other islands of the Firth of Clyde, together with Skye and Raasay. He was killed by falling rocks while examining a mass of granite at Inverfarigaig, and a monument there commemorates him. He lies buried in Grange Cemetery in Edinburgh.
Bryce was elected a Fellow of the Geological Societies of London and Dublin and of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Glasgow in 1858. His sons included statesman James Bryce (Viscount Bryce; 1838 - 1922) and politician John Annan Bryce (1841 - 1923).