If the original will is lost or mislaid so that it cannot be produced on the trial of the issue, but the paper has been copied into the pleadings, or spread upon the minutes of the court, the court may proceed with the trial of the issue in the same manner as if the original were in existence and before it.
Code 1858, § 2179 (deriv. Acts 1851-1852, ch. 77, § 2); Shan., § 3911; Code 1932, § 8109; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 32-407.
Textbooks. Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates (4th ed., Phillips and Robinson), § 371.