Inference based on Cause Effect and exceptions

We are aware of numerous instances where we reach conclusion of the presence or absence of an effect based upon the presence or absence of a cause. Example: The mountain is fiery because there is smoke. If there is no fire then there is no smoke. Or take another example: Babies cry when they are hungry or hurt. If they are not hungry or hurt then the babies do not cry. The said method is not always correct as is explained : ” this definition of cause would fail to apply to such eternal and all pervading substances as the Akasha and the like because (being eternal) there is no point in time at which their absence would be possible; and (being all pervading) there is no point in space where they would be absent ; (and thus, if ‘absence’ formed an integral factor of definition, it could not apply to such substances as the above, in whose case absence of any kind is not possible.)

( Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Gangadhar Jha, pg 4 , Tarkabhasha or Exposition of Reasoning)