Binary galaxies. I. A well-defined statistical sample.

Using precisely defined identification criteria, a sample of 156 binary galaxy systems is selected from the Zwicky Catalog of Galaxies and Clusters of Galaxies. Data on their magnitudes, morphological types, radial velocities, angular separations, etc., are presented. Accurate, new radial velocities for both components of 66 of the pairs have been measured. Substantial effort is directed toward establishing a sample of binary galaxies in which all sources of systematic bias and statistical error are well understood. Subject headings: galaxies: clusters of - galaxies: redshifts - galaxies: photometry