Re: Why is the anode in an electrolytic cell called the positive electrode?

David,
     In electrochemistry, the anode is defined as the electrode where 
oxidation occurs and has nothing to do with the sign conventions on the 
electrode itself.  The signs designate which electrode is more "negatively 
charged".  In a Galvanic cell, the anode is more negatively charged than 
the cathode since the anions in the electrolyte travel to the anode 
naturally, and also since oxidation spontaneously takes place at this 
electrode, it collects electrons.  So compared to the other electrode, it 
will have more negative charge around it. 
     In an electrolytic cell, a battery defines the sign or charge of the 
electrodes.  The battery forces electrons onto an electrode, so the 
electrode that gets the electrons will be negatively charged and be able 
to give electrons to the electrolyte solution.  In other words, the 
electrode that gets electrons will become the cathode and be able to give 
electrons to reduce species in solution.