Abstract: A novel molecular scale device is described which is bactericidal, fungicidal, viricidal and algicidal. The anti-pathogenic properties of the device are attributed to electron activity indigenous to diamagnetic semiconducting crystals of tetrasilver tetroxide (Ag.sub.4 O.sub.4) which contains two monovalent and two trivalent silver ions in each molecular crystal. When the crystals are activated with an oxidizing agent, they release electrons equivalent to 6.4.times.10.sup.-19 watts per molecule which in effect electrocute pathogens. A multitude of these devices are effective at such low concentrations as 0.3 PPM used as preservatives in a variety of formulations ranging from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. Indeed, they are intended as active ingredients for pharmaceuticals formulated to destroy such pathogens as Staphylococcus aureus, and epidermidis, the latter of which it completely destroys in a nutrient broth culture of about 1 million organisms at 0.