James Bruce was born in Glasgow, Scotland, c1913. Bruce began studying at the University of Glasgow in 1930, taking Natural Philosophy and in the Science Faculty during his first year. In his second year he studied Organic Chemistry and Botany. In his third year he studied Physical and Geological Inorganic Chemistry and Lab, Chemistry Lab and Geology. He graduated in 1934 with a BSc Honours in Chemistry. In 1954 he gained his MD from the University of Glasgow.
From the guide to the Papers of Dr James Bruce, b. c1913, medical practitioner and chemistry graduate, University of Glasgow, Scotland, 1931-1936, (Glasgow University Archive Services)